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A Collection of Plans 

Illustrating the Improvement of 

Home Grounds, 

Town Lots, Real Estate Subdivisions, 

Public Squares, Cemeteries, 

With Copious Explanations. 

By ELIAS a. long. 






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THIS collection of plans, from the author's port-folio, fairly repre- 
sents the average demand for information on Landscape Gardening at 
this day. Some of the engravings have appeared in the author's serial, 
"Taste and Tact in Arranging Grounds, " running in Popular 
Gardening. E.xplanatory matter relating to the plans is also presented. 



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To make the collection educational as far as possible, a diagram 
of the grounds as they appeared before changes were made is in most in- 
stances given, as well as the author's plans for improving the same. It 
may be remarked that figures i, 2, 6, 9, 11, 13. 24, 30, and 31, set forth with 
tolerable clearness the general type of unimproved grounds in America. 



The corresponding plans, and some added ones, give an idea of the 
gain that could be wrought for our homes, suburban districts, parks 
and cemeteries, were trained landscape gardeners as generally employed 
in improving such property, as trained architects are now depended 
upon, for planning our dwellings and other structures. 



Copyright, i891. 

Popular Gardening Pub. Co., 

BUFFALO, N. Y. 



Landscape Gardening Plans Explained. 



Diagrams l and ?. Eight-Acre Grounds in Nebraska. 

Previous to the spring of 1888 the land had been prairie, without trees. At that time the owner 

set out one thousand young forest and fruit trees, shrubs, etc., as shown by diagram i. In app ying 

o a ew plan, the owner stated his readiness to make any change necessary .n the locat.on of trees^ 

At the southeast (lower left) corner, which faces the city, the street is to be cut down four feet; here the 

owner conceived would be a fine chance for terracmg, if thought best. . • ,. . ■ tv,» 

Diagram 3 represents the new plan for improving these grounds. The pnnc.pal feature .s the 

lone circuitous drive which has the effect of uniting the parts, making them more accessible and 'nteresting^ 

4nothe imp "ement was the introducing of open spaces in the former arboretum and groves, with the effect of 

and trees arranged with the utmost freedom and irregularity. Few changes were made in the orchard. 

Betwee'n the house and streets simple rounded slopes were recommended, instead of ^--" ^^^ f^/P^^/^J J^^ 
the fall of four feet from the house level to the pavement. The slopes rising from the sides of the path are to be embel 
lished with shrubs and flowers in clumps, thus making a very pleasant approach from the street. 






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Diagram i. Of Eight Acre Home Grounds in Nebraska. See Diag 



lagrarn 3. 



Diagram 2. Small Residence Grounds 
in Detroit, Mich, See Diagram 4. 





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Diagram 3. Improved Plan for the Eight Acre Grounds of Diagram i. 



Diagram 4. Small Residence 

Grounds in Detroit, Mich, 

Diagram 2 Improved. 



But one side entrance was recommended, the appearance of the grounds being more pleasing, for having a 
wide stretch of lawn between the street and house at the side. 

Note. — It is clear that with scarcely any greater outlay for additional construction and keeping, than would be needed for the system of 
drives, shown in Diagram I, such a place may easily be treated as a simple, handsome forest park throughout. The character and the extent of 
the planting suits this idea very well, why should not the arrangement. 

Diagrams 2 and 4. Small Residence Grounds in Detroit, Mich. 

The lot fronts on a wide boulevard. The main gardening is to the rear of the house. Some obvious faults 
in the arrangement of the former plan, diagram 2, are its extreme artificiality, straight lines and angles everywhere; same- 
ness of the various features; the flower beds so scattered as to prevent any considerable area of open lawn for imparting a 
reposeful air to the scene. 

In the plan, shown by diagram 4, the following desirable qualities are apparent: First, entire absence of straight 
lines, aside from the boundaries; second, the utmost variety in the forms of the flower beds; third, the delightful central 
grass area with graceful, irregular, almost intricate outline; fourth, a garden seat covered with climbers at A, and a vine- 
covered arch at B. 

The wider parts of the beds are planted with bold shrubs like Lilacs, Mock Oranges, Weigelas, Loniceras, etc., 
which could not have been so well admitted into those of the old plan. 

Diagram $. Home Grounds on a Farm in Delaware Co., Ind. 

The diagram shows the characteristics of the place, both before and after the improved plan was applied. The 
dotted lines indicate the former yard, walk, and drive outlines. 

The obvious faults of the former arrangement, are the very usual ones of straight walks and angles, where graceful 
curves would answer all practical ends equally well, besides imparting a quality of embellishment of their own. 

The improvements advised, in general covered the following points: First, the substitution of easy curves in the 
roadway and walks, without losing directness of course from point to point; second, the arrangement of trees and shrubs 
largely in groups; third, the securing of an open lawn centrally between the dwelling and the highway This last feature 
must be put down as a most important one for obtaining an air of breadth and repose to the front garden, and providing 
pleasant vistas in several directions, ends impossible with having the front grounds divided midway by the street walk, 



as in the old plan. Fourth, the natural forest opened up by a driveway and wood-path, thus bringing some of the 
old trees into the yard proper, affording also a splendid place along the walk for locating beautiful wild flowers, ferns, 
shrubs, etc. An arbor-like arrangement of Beeches and Birches is provided at / along the wood path. 

About walk b the prevailing trees are evergreens, in groups, for providing a proper balance of embellishments 
throughout the grounds. A hedge separates the lawn from the vegetable garden. It has an arched opening at/ 

Aside from the trees named on the plan, shrubs are provided in the beds indicated from d to h inclusive. 

Blooming in April: — Mezeron Pink (Daphne mezerum). Golden Bell (Forsylhia). 

Blooming in May: — Japan Quince, Flowering Plum (Prunus triloba). Flowering Almond (/'?-«k«j), Thunberg's Spirjea (5/j)v<~a Tliun- 
berei). Plum-leaved Spiraea (Spir,ra primifolia). Lilacs, many sorts, Rough-leaved Viburnum {V. rugosum). Lantana-leaved Viburnum (V. 
lantanoiJes), Bush Honeysuckle, Tree Peeony, Tamarisk (Taniarix). 

Blooming in June: — Silver Bell Shrub (Halesia). Lance-lfaved Spirx-a (S. lanceolata), Josika's Lilac, Garland Mock Orange {PhiladelpliKs 
coronarius). Double-flowering Mock Orange, Large-Flowered Mock Orange {P. grandiflorus), Dwarf %noviha\\ [Viburmim plicatum). Gxa.i:<tiM\ 
Deutzia {D. g'acilis). Double Deutzia in several varieties, Weigela Rose and varieties. Red branched Dogwood, White Fringe (C/iionanlhus). 

Blooming in July: — Alder-leaved Cle'.hra (C. ahiifolia), Billard's Spirjea (S. Billardi), Fortune's White Spirrea (S. calUsa alba). Fortune's 
Spiraea (S. callosa), Japanese Spirjea {S. species Japonica). 

Blooming or otherwise attractive in August or later: — Purple Bramble {Rubus odoratus). Oak leaved Hydrangea {H. quetcifolia), 
Althseas, Double and Single (Hibiscus), Large-panicled Hydrangea, Mist Tree (Rhus cotintis). Moneywort-leaved Cotoneaster, handsome fruit; 
Prunus Pissardi, beautiful dark red foliage all season; Purple-leaved Berberry, violet purple foliage; Variegated Cornelian Cherry, handsome 
white-blotched foliage; Waxberries, showy fruit; Berberries, showy fruit; Silver leaved Corchorus, white-edged foliage; Holly-leaved Mahonia, 
evergreen; Bo.x indifferent varieties, evergreen. 



Diagrams 6 and 7. Home Grounds in Bristol Co., Mass. 

The first diagram shows the former arrangement of the home, the owner of which in his application for a new plan, 
characterized it as "too prim and stiff." The trees to the front are Sugar Maples. Flower beds are indicated by F, 
Pseonles by P. Shrubs and Roses were scattered along the walks and drives. 

In diagram 7, provided for improving the place, the aim was first, to substitute a large degree of grace and 
irregularity for stiffness and angles throughout. Second, to provide the fine lawn area (i) between the house and street, 
stocked with shrubs, trees, etc., in irregular order; and a pleasing open center. Notice the clumps of Peonies (p) of 
the old arrangement, have been massed in the left portion of the plat under consideration, a much better arrangement. 
Third, to provide in plat 2 strong lawn effects, the sward supporting a large variety of growths, which, at the same time, 









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Umgram 5. Home Grounds of a Farm in Delaware Co., Indiana. 




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Home Grounds of a Farm in P.utler Cu., Mass., Htrfore and Afler linpioving 



fittingly seclude the barn. Fourth, the drive is made to bear gracefully towards the house, without any material loss of 
distance, in rounding the shrubbery mass to reach the barn. Fifth, the Roses from the badly arranged borders of the old 
plan, it was suggested be brought into the rear of plat 2. Sixth, flower beds together with shrubs are brought into plats 3 
and 4. Seventh, an evergreen side of the lawn was provided in plat 5, thus securing a windbreak to the north of the home, 
as well as affecting something like a balance in the embellishing materials of the place. 

Note. — Admitting that an orchard and vegetable plat may be better arranged artificially, with straight lines for facilitating cultivation, 
yet in the ornamental part, there is no gocd reason why a single straight line should be maintained beyond the fixed ones found in the outlines 
of buildings, boundaries, etc. Study these improvements as a whole, and what a beauty spot is afforded in the ample grass plats, the beautiful 
curving wallis and drives, the profusion of trees, shrubs and flowers, contributing beauty and comfort every month in the year. 



Diagram 8. Quick Effects in Planting. 

The figure relates to a subject of quite as much interest in landscape gardening as the matter of arranging 
grounds pleasingly. It is an object lesson on early results secured on the author's new home grounds at La Salle-on- 
the-Niagara, N. Y. It affords a striking contradiction of the notion that a planter must wait a lifetime for fine effects, 
or that it is of no use for people beyond middle age to plant. 

The chart sets forth accurate sketches from life, of 31 different subjects, made June 22, 1S91, less than 26 
months from the day of planting. The dotted lines represent squares of four feet by four feet. In every instance the 
drawing was made by the aid of a gauge eight feet high and with a four foot arm, held alongside of the shrub, tree or 
group. Scores of other subjects of the same age from planting, in the author's collection of many hundreds of young 
specimens, could have been used, showing equal results. 

A study of the chart will reveal the following: First, that as a rule the flowering shrubs develop into strong 
mature specimens very early. Second, that the key note for early effects in planting is to set out largely of handsome, vig- 
orous shrubs, in masses. Notice the upper right-hand group, 16 feet across, consisting of Blood leaved Plum in the center, 
surrounded by light Variegated-leaved Cornelian Cherry. It is, at 26 months from planting, a solid mass of verdure a rod 
across and fully eight feet high, and matchless for fine effect Another almost equally effective group is shown a little 
lower down, consisting of the Golden Bell {Forsyl/iia viridissima) and the light Variegated-leaved Weigela. Given an 
abundance of flowering shrubs of the sorts here illustrated, or any of hundreds of other kinds and varieties, with the 
opportunity to arrange ihem in masses, and the most wonderful effects can be counted upon early in the second year after 



planting Third, that next to deciduous flowering shrubs, trees of the Evergreen or Conifer class, such as Pines, Spruces, 
Junipers, Arbor Vitres, Larches, etc., must be ranked for producing strong, early-maturing effects. When grown in masses 
they present an appearance of surprising strength in two or three seasons from planting. Fourth, such deciduous trees as 
the Canadian Poplar, European Bird Cherry and Royal Willow, shown on the chart, to which may be added some other 
Willows and Poplars, besides Soft Maples, Ailantus, Pawlonias, etc , are of extremely rapid growth when grown in a very 
fertile soil. Such can be planted among the more moderate growing kinds, like Oaks, Lindens, Elms, etc., to be cut out as 
the latter require more space. Many climbing shrubs are also of great value for producing early effects. 

But it will be surmised, and rightly, that the treatment of the stock had something to do with the quick results 
portrayed. We offer our readers the very simple secrets of these attainments. First, fairly good soil, neither highly 
enriched nor worn out. Second, preparation to a depth of sixteen inches by plowing and subsoiling — spading and trench- 
ing would have answered as well. Third, reasonable care in not allowing the roots to become dry between digging and 
planting. Fourth, good, firm planting, at which time from one to three shovelfuls of old compost (made of two parts 
rotted turf to one part good stable manure) was intermixed with the root soil of each subject. Fifth, liberal pruning at 
planting. Sixth, clean tillage of all beds occupied by trees and shrubs, never allowing a weed to develop in them. No 
water was applied to the beds in the 26 months, except once, and that during a protracted period of drouth. 



Diagrams 9 and 10. Home of a Physician in Allegan Co., Mich. 

Diagram 9 shows the former arrangement of the place. The owner sought aid in rearranging the grounds, ex- 
pressing a willingness to move his office if advisable. In the plan, the numbers i, 2, 3, and 4 represent beds of bulbs and 
summer flowers, 5 a bed of Tea Roses. 

By diagram 10, is illustrated the changes deemed desirable in the present instance. They include first, a system 
of curved walks, leading very directly from point to point, in place of the old and more formal arrangement; second, the 
office moved to a point which permits the opening of a vista in the direction of the street corner 8; third, beds of irregular 
outline scattered along the margin of the grass plats and near to the walks, to contain hardy shrubs and the occu- 
pants of the former flower beds; fourth, an arbor located at 4, to be covered with hardy and tender vines; fifth, some 
beautiful, irregular masses of shrubbery placed in the jog around the arbor, affording a delightful shrubbery walk in the 
midst thereof; sixth, a few fruit trees irregularly arranged on the rear lawn; seventh, other trees located here and there 
in such relation to the shrubbery and to the buildings, as to afford pleasing vistas in many directions. 



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Canadian poplar 



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Diagram 8. QUICK EFF-ECTS IN F-LANTING. 

Developments on the Author's Grounds in 26 Months from Planting. From Accurate Measurements. Dotted Lines indicate Squares Four Feet by Four Feet. 




REAR YARD AND HEEUNG-IN GROUNDS 



PROPOSED 
SPECIMEN FRUIT PLAT 




VEGETABLE 
GARDEN 






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SMALL 

FRUITS 




I>i.'igianis g and lo. ( irounds of a Physician in AHegan Co., Midi. 
Before and After Improvinij. 




HIGHWAY 

2. A Nurseryman's Grounds ir 

Before and After Improving. 



HIGHWAY 
Diagrams ii and 12. A Nurseryman's Grounds in New York Stale. 



Diagrams ll and 12. A Nurseryman's Grounds. 

Diagram ii represents the home grounds of a New York State nurseryman previous to the adoption of plans for 
improving the same. The place, as the owner readily admitted, presented a dearth of pleasing garden features, an 
exception being found in the curving Hemlock hedge. 

Diagram 12 embodies our suggestions for converting these grounds into a complete and well balanced orna- 
mental garden and specimen grounds, such as were deemed especially suitable for one who sells trees and other embellishing 
materials. Without varying the course or position of any principle feature, there is secured a strong preponderance of 
graceful curves and pleasing irregularity throughout, offsetting the fi.ved straight lines and angles of the boundary and 
building outlines. The drive-way and walks, with but slight curves, lead very directly from point to point. The front 
yard, instead of being very objectionably cut into two equal parts, each centrally occupied by a flower bed, is radically 
changed for the better. The plan of arranging the growths mainly in groups was adhered to, such masses contributing 
character and boldness not attainable if the same were scattered about more thinly. The various features not named by 
type in the plan, may be explained as follows, referring to the numbers: 

I —Main entrance in the midst of exquisite clumps of ornamental shrubs. 2 — Front and side of home lawn, profusely planted. 
3 — Central lawn plat. 4 — Main lawn. 5 — An attractive vine walk, with shrub and rockery screen towards the street. 6 — Grove of ornamental 
trees. 7. 7— Mi.xed flower borders. 8 — Fruit plat. 9 — Shrubbery. 10 — Walk piercing the hedge and leading to fruit plat. 11, 11 — Rockery 
at ends of borders. 12 — Summer flower beds. 13 — Masses of evergreens. 14 — Climbers at piazza. 

Note — The present grounds unquestionably cjntain the elements of a most beautiful garden, one that could not fail to impart endless 
charms to its owner and to all beholders. It is desirable indeed that our nurserymen, and not they only, but florists and seedsmen as well, 
should possess such surroundings. They sell trees, vines, plants and seeds; they should show others by e.xample how effectively to use such 
material in embellishing home and other grounds. 

Diagrams 13 and 14. A long, narrow Three-fourth Acre Lot, in a Town of Northern New York. 

In the left hand engraving, A indicates walk entrance; B, drive entrance; C, flower bed; D, old vines; old fruit 
trees are scattered about. The length of the lot, as compared with its width of 90 feet, was thought to be a fault. 

Diagram 14 represents the plan furnished for improving these grounds. So far from considering the narrowness 
and length of the lot a fault, it was sought to treat it for obtaining certain advantages, the chief one of which is an extended 
garden vista, really nothing short of magnificent, down through the lot as seen from the verandas, walks, &c., at the house. 

While making the most of the opportunity of creating an extended vista back, an additional end obtained was 
an appearance of great breadth, crosswise, in the front part of the grounds. This was accomplished by taking up the 



former straight central walk and locating a new one by graceful, easy curve, considerably to one side of the middle of the 
front plat, thus securing an ample lawn area here, unbroken in its center, and conveying a delightful impression of 
breadth and repose. This quality is further strengthened by the arrangement of trees, shrubs, &c., irregularly about the 
walk, drive, and towards the margins. Another gain is the improved appearance of the handsome dwelhng, as seen from 
the highway, over an unbroken stretch of lawn. The various details of the new plan are explained as follows: 

I — Front walk. 2 — Front drive. 3 — Front steps to house. 4 4 4 — Groups of ornamental deciduous trees. 5 5 — Groups of evergreen 
trees. 6 6 6 — Large masses of hardy shrubs. 7 — Mass of hardy perennials and shrubs. 8 8 — Clumps of Roses. 9 g 9 g 9 — Beds of summer 
flowers. 10 — Garden seat. 11 — Vegetable garden surrounded by hedge. 12 — Fruit garden to rear of lawn. 13 — Turning plat. 

Note. — This plan affords a good example of the art of making a certain area appear much larger than its actual size, a quality applying 
in some measure to all good landscape gardening. It is a case in which less than an acre was treated to look several times its real size, with the 
actual number of feet to be covered by the lawn mower, spade and rake, not at all increased. And this is the height of good garden arrange- 
ment. For a visitor to catch a view of a garden like this, would be to lead him irresistibly to desire to explore its parts throughout. 



Diagram K. A long, narrow, Seven-Acre Garden. 

This plan was prepared for a resident of the State of Connecticut. The desire of the owner was to have fine 
park-like grounds, with almost no space devoted to fruit and vegetable culture. The place, in the main, was flat and 
wholly unembellished by natural growths. Fortunately, there is a spring of clear water, which enabled the obtaining of 
some fine water eifects. A chief object sought in preparing the plan, was the creating of certain features of boldness to 
overcome the natural tameness, and yet doing so by a plan simple in character. The buildings were well located for 
accomplishing this end. The entrance drive was carried to the right of the dwelling, and, by easy curves, was elaborated 
to extend gracefully through the grounds, one branch leading to the extreme end, opening into a street beyond. 

Plat I affords an unbroken stretch of lawn, 600 feet back from the highway. An irregular fringe of trees and 
shrubs to bloom through every month of the growing season, was located along its border throughout. 

Plat 2 derives its beauty from its general grace and the open center of sward which is slightly crowning at the 
middle. The tree and shrub masses are arranged to show relationship with the heavier ones beyond, as if broken from 
them. The drive at this point is delightfully hemmed in by shrubs and trees. Towards the barn, evergreen trees are used 
as a means both of protection and to shut the stable yard from view, at a season when deciduous trees are leafless. 

Back of plat 2, the general effect is decidedly picturesque. The lakelets are artificially formed. A bold mound 
is created in the embrace of the rear lakelet, and this supports an arbor. A bog, with the surface only slightly above the 




Diagram 13. Lone Narrow Town Lot. See opposite page. 




iJiayrani 15. A Long Narrow Seven Acre Plat Laid Out 




Diagram 14 Long Narrow Town Lot. Diagram i^ Improved, 



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tias a Private Park Embodying Many Attractive Features. 



water's level, affords accomodations for moisture-loving plants. The general planting in this part is in the nature of a 
forest or grove, and opportunity is afforded for growing a large assortment of native and other trees, including moisture- 
lovers at the water's edge, especially in the vicinity of that portion of the upper end of the water in which several small 
isles appear. A bridge, made of flag stones and boulders, crosses the lakelet near its upper end. 

Diagram 16. Details of a Large Shrub Border. 

Size 1 20 feet in length by 25 feet across at its widest part. This diagram represents a bed containing a total of 
over 200 flowering shrubs, including some evergreens, in 39 separate kinds and varieties. The object sought in the 
arrangement was to secure a pleasing mingling of the various groups, these being irregular in their outlines. The names 
of the respective kinds are given in the engraving. Having set the plants somewhat closely, say about four feet 
apart, they quickly filled the space, making a strong effect, almost the first season of planting. 



Diagram 17. A Home Plat of Two Acres in Erie County, N. Y. 

Location overlooks Lake Erie; home occupied by a gentleman doing business in town 14 miles away. 

A chief object sought in these improvements, besides the securing of a handsome and complete garden, was to 
open up numerous views of the distant water scenery in sight from all parts of the grounds. In the plan, the vistas thus 
provided are shown by dotted lines. Some of the other ends secured by the plan are, first, ample lawn areas with extended 
vistas in various directions; second, graceful walk and front drive leading to the right-hand corner of the plat (as seen 
from the street), and thus in the direction of the railway station, this being the course taken mostly when leaving or ap- 
proaching the home; third, a large assortment of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and flowers, besides an extended 
vegetable and fruit plat; fourth, a vine arbor located on the highest point of the place, and from which, commanding views 
of the lake and surrounding country, and of the garden features are had; fifth, a vine walk at 59, the trellise to be con- 
structed of gas pipe connected at the sides with galvanized wire, all to be covered with the vines suggested. This walk 
extends to the farther part of the grounds, indicated by 66, passing between two rows of Grape vines. 

A complete selection of trees and shrubs was prepared. To aid in their proper distribution over the grounds, the 
respective places for these on the plan are indicated by figures, and to these the figures in the following list refer: 



I — One Scarlet Oak (Querciis coccint'o); one American or Tremb- 
ling Aspen {Populus tremuloidcs). 2 — Common Hickory (Carya alba). 
3^ 4 — White Pine (Pinus strobus). 5 — One Double White-flowered 
Horse-chestnut (ALsculus Hippocastinum var alba Jlore plena). 
6 — Three Mountain Ash-leaved Spiraea {S. sorbifolia). 7 — One Snowy 
Mespilus (Amelanchier Botryapium); two Judas Tree (Cercis Canaden- 
sis); hardy flowers. 8 — Three Variegated-leaved Weigela {Diervilta 
foliis variegata). 9 — Three Holly-leaved Mahonia {Berberis acqui- 
folium). 10 — Two Siberian Arbor Vitre ( 7'/;«7(7 t'ar. Siberica); three 
Globe-headed Arbor Vitx- ( T. var. globosa ) ; th ree R ed Cedar (Juniperus 
Virginiana); one Gray -leaved Juniper (/. var. glauca.) 11 — Nine 
Plumed HydrangeaL (H./ianieu/ata grandijlora). 12 — One Cut-leaved 
Weeping Birch (Betiila): one European Larch (Lari.r); three Aus- 
trian Pine (Pinus Austriaca); two Hemlock Spruce (Abies Canadensis). 
13 — Two Alcock's Spruce {Abies Aleocquiana). 14 — Three African 
'\&n\a.nzV.{Tamarix Africans). 15 — Six Norway Spruce (^iw'j ex- 
celsa). 16 — Three Yew (Taxtis var. erecta). 17 — Six White Spruce 
(Abies Alba). 18 — One Norway Maple (Acer plantanoides); two Eng- 
lish or Corked-barked Maple (A. camfestris). ig — Wier's Cut-leaved 
Maple. 20 — Three Calycanthus (C. Floridus). 21 — One Tulip tree 
(Liriodendron tulipifera); one Oak-leaved Mountain Ash (Pyrus 
quercifolid); one European Linden (Tilia Europica); one Paulownia 
Imperialis: two Japan Aralia [Aralia faponica); one Garden or Euro- 
pean Oleaster (Eleagnus Hortensis). 22 — Three Lilacs in variety 
(Syringa). 23 — FiveThunberg's Spirfea (5. Thiinbergii); five Double 
Plum-leaved Spirsea (S. priinifolia); three Althteas [Hibiscus). 
24 — Cut-leaved Weeping Birch {Belula). 25 — Three Red-Branched 
Dogwood {Cornus sangiiinea); three Japan Snowball ( Viburnum pli- 
catum). 26 — Six Weigela in variety (Diervilla); three Golden Bell 
(Forsythia Forhineii). 27 — Four Variegated Cornelian Cherry (Cor- 
nus mascula variegata); six Purple-leaved Berberry {Berberis Euro- 
paus atropurpureum). 2g — One Spring Adonis (A. vernalis); one 
Wind flower (Anemone Japonica); one White and Csrulean Blue 
Columbine (Aquilegia cai-ulea); one Peach-leaved Campanula (C./^r- 
sicifolia), one Narrow-leaved Lungwort (Pulmonaria angustifolia): 
one Goat's Beard (Spirica aruncus); one Meadow Sweet, (S. venusta)\ 



one Purity (5. ulmaria); one Sweet Violet (Viola odorata); six Per- 
ennial Phlox. 30 — Three Ailantus glandulosa. 31 and 32 — River's 
Purple-leaved Beech (Fagus var. purpurea Riversii). 33 — Soulange's 
Magnolia (M Soulangeana) . 34 — Six Mock Orange in variety (Phila- 
delphus) . 35 — Two Rough-leaved Viburnum ( V. rugosa); one Moun- 
tain Ash-leaved Spirrea (S. sorbifolia). 36 — Two Plumed Hydrangea 
(H. paniculata grandiflora); one Double-flowering Deutzia (£>. far. 
Jlore plena). 37 — Flower bed. 38 — Two Pyramidal Birch (Betula 
alba fastigata); two European Larch (Larix); two Red Buckeye 
(.Esculus pavia rubra); one Double-flowering Purple Deutzia (D. var. 
purpurea plena); three Lance-leaved Spinea (5. Reevesiana); three 
Douglas' Spirjea (5'. Z)(7j<^jo-/a«V); three Alder-leaved Clethra (C. «/««- 
folia). 39 — Six Purple-leaved Plum (Prunus Pissardi). 40 — Two 
Lomhardy Pop\a.i (Populus fas/iga/a). 42 — Red Buckeye (.-Esculus 
pavia rubra). 43 — Weeping Tooth-leaved Vop\ax(Populus grandi- 
denta pendula). 44 — Sycamore Maple. 45 — Bird Cherry. 46 — Red 
Oak (Quercus rubi-a). 47 — Laurel or Shingle Oak (Quercus imbri- 
caria). 48 — Four Norway Spruce (Abies excelsa). 49 — One Black 
'Wa]nut i/uglans nigra); one American White Elm (CZ/rnKj- Ameri- 
cana); one Red Buckeye (.F.sculus pavia rubra). 50 — Austrian Pine. 
51 — Three Bush Honeysuckle in variety (Lonicera); one Double- 
flowering Plum (Prunus triloba); two Scarlet Japan Quince (Pyrus). 
52 — Six Weigela in variety (Diervilla). 53 — Twelve Roses and hardy 
flowers. 55 — Greenhouse flowers. 56 — Smoke Tree (Rhus cotinus) 
57 — Three Billard's Spirjea (S. Billardi). 58 — Apple tree. 59 — 
Pepper Vine (Ampelopsis bipinnata); one Chinese Wistaria ( W. sinen- 
sis; one Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle {Lonicera sempervirens); one 
Canadian Honeysuckle (L. var. Canadensis); one Hall's Japan 
Honeysuckle (L. Ifalleana); one Monthly Dutch Honeysuckle (Z. 
var. Bclgica); two American Trumpet Vines (Tecoma radicans); three 
Jackman's Clematis (C. Jackmanii); one Dutchman's Pipe (Aristo- 
lochia Sipho). 61 — Two Pear trees. 62 to 6; — Small fruits. 67 — Na- 
tive trees, shrubs and flowers. Virginian and Veitch's Ampelopsis 
against buildings. Akebia quinata, Chinese Wistaria, Hall's Japan 
Honeysuckle and Dutchman's Pipe at veranda pillars. 




Diagram 17. A Two Acre Garden Overlooking Lake Erie. 




Diagram iS. 
A One-Fourth Acre Clarden. 



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Diagram 20. /-r3 0"Q^('i ' 



Diagram zi. 



Diagram 22. 




Diagram 23, 





Diagram 25. 




Diagram tq. A Bed of Shrubs. 



Examples of Curves, Dad and Good. 



Diagram 26. 
Plans of Rose Bed. 



Diagram 18. A One-fourth Acre Garden. 

This plan was designed for a town resident who desired to cultivate the greatest possible variety of garden objects, 
ornamental and useful, within a small limit. Some scores of flowering and evergreen shrubs, hardy flowers, etc., are 
accommodated in the borders next to the boundaries, in the front half of the place; more than a score of shade trees 
are located here and there over the lawn. A dozen fruit trees are also accommodated in the rear part of the place. There 
are three lines of Grape vines on each side of the back walk, and beyond these some beds of Strawberries, Raspberries, 
Currants, etc., besides quite a plat devoted to vegetables. An arbor covered with an assortment of flowering and other 
vines, forms a terminal object at the end of a long straight walk. 

Diagram 19. A Bed of Shrubs. 

This bed shows twenty-nine hardy shrubs, in si.\ varieties, irregularly arranged. F indicates Forsythia viridissima, 
W, Weigela variegata, H. Plumed Hydrangea, D, Spirea eximea, E, Burning Bush (Euonymus). 

The design was to secure in a small bed a succession of attractiveness from April when the Forsythias bloom, until 
the end of the Hydrangea season in October, to be followed for some months later, by the fruit of the Burning Bush. The 
shrubs selected are also attractive in foliage outside of the blooming season. 

Diagrams 20 and 23. Examples, Bad and Good, of Curved Approaches. 

The fault of figure 20 is that the curves are not sufficiently decided; the dotted line would be followed. 

Diagram 22, shows the same case treated for making an easy graceful curve in every way suited for use and 
beauty in embellishing this part of the grounds. 

A curve of the form of 21 would be out of place on any grounds except such as might have a steep descent from 
the house to the street, in which case the sweep would render the walk easier. The illustration represents an actual case 
of a walk as found on nearly level ground. A chief objection to it here was, that, as in all cases of too decided a bend on 
ground that is even or nearly so, there is a tendency to form a path across the lawn, as shown by the dotted lines, leaving 
the distant course unused. Where the house lies close to the street, a curve such as is shown in diagram 23 is more suitable, 
being both easy to pursue and graceful in appearance. 



Diagrams 24 and 26. Relating to a Rose Bed. 

Design 24 is that of the former arrangement of a Rose bed, of a size accommodating 350 plants, in a garden in 
Ontario, Canada. Application for a new design was made on the grounds of this one being "so stiff and angular." As a 
substitute two plans, 25 and 26, were submitted. The upper one of these is regular, the lower one irregular in arrange- 
ment. In both, the design is simply to have the beds cut in the sward, the walks between and around being of grass. Of 
the two plans submitted, our choice would be for the irregular one at the bottom, for the reason that the eye tires sooner 
of regularly balanced features than of the reverse. The chief charm of all natural scenery is its irregularity. When the 
same quality can be carried to the garden, it should by all means be done. 

Diagram 27. Park-like Platting of a 46 Acre Suburban Tract, in Western New York. 

The object which the projectors of this real estate enterprise had in view, was to lay out the subdivision somewhat 
different from the usual plan of straight drives and angular blocks. A motive in this was, to compete more favorably with 
neighboring plats, in the sale of lands. The frontage on the inlet is very fine and the water scenery picturesque. To 
counterbalance these marked attractions a wide, park-like avenue was laid out, centrally through, the area. This 
handsome road comprises several grass plats, each forty feet wide by about 250 feet long, and two circles about sixty 
feet across, all tastefully embellished with ornamental trees, evergreen shrubs and flowering plants. These are mainly ar- 
ranged in irregular clumps. Two twenty-si.x feet drives extend, as shown by the diagram, through the garden-way. To 
the outside of the drives, there is provided a width of fourteen feet on each side of the highway proper, through which the 
sidewalks extend, but the lawn is designed to run from the curb back to the residences, unbroken only by walks, trees and 
other garden features The plats in the street proper, as well as somewhat back into the home lawn, were adorned before 
the sale of lots began, with Elm and other shade trees, irregularly arranged. Beyond the central circle the garden-way is 
100 feet wide. Here the style of arrangement is varied to have a forty-foot drive in the center, with unusually broad 
areas for lawn, sidewalk, trees and shrubs, between the curb and the lot lines. 

Of the other highways, three are to have the trees arranged at regular distances apart and equally distant from 
the curb, while in others, the irregular park-like style of arranging is being adopted. 

Note. — It must be obvious to all who are interested in the development of suburban residence districts, that the adoption of parlc-like 
improvements, instead of having stiffness and angularity prevail, is a change greatly for the better. It has been shown repeatedly both in 
Europe and America, that where the tastes of buyers are recognized, through adopting handsome lay-outs for such tracts, the results in earlier 
sales and at advanced prices, have very greatly overbalanced the slightly increased cost of the improved course- 




Diagram 27. Tasteful Platting of the Residence Subdivision of a Suburban Village, 




Diagram 28. Park-like Plan of a 157 Acre Suburban Tract, near St. Louis, Mo, 



Diagram 28. Park-like Platting of a 1^7 Acre Suburban Tract, near St. Louis, Mo. 

This diagram represents the improvements adopted by an enterprising real estate company, for rendering their 
lands attractive to buyers, through applying landscape gardening principles in laying out the same. The land is rolling 
and presents other natural attractions, with which the park-like arrangement adopted, harmonizes admirably. 

The 157 acres were laid out into nineteen residence sections, containing upwards of 250 lots. The lots generally 
have a frontage of 100 feet. The depth varies from 120 feet to upwards of 300 feet. On the plan, the drives are repre- 
sented by full lines, the boundaries of land .embraced by the highways proper and lot divisions by dotted lines. It is 
designed that the erection of street fences shall be discouraged. 

At various points the areas devoted to public use and highways are made to possess considerable width. Here and 
there along the railway, for instance, are plats heavily planted with trees and shrubs, to in part cut off the view of 
the railroad from the nearer lands fronting in that direction. Between sections E and F, G, I, there is a beautiful dell some- 
what wooded, and through which runs a brook, fed by a spring on the grounds. Here the land, of fair width, was treated 
by planting, walks, etc., to be a bit of park. Between sections L and S another rill is found meandering through a picturesque 
dell, and again a good width of the park-like quality was introduced, the same, extending westerly towards the railroad 
around the curve formed by L. Throughout, an irregular style of arranging all street trees has been adopted, the idea be- 
ing that the improvement of the individual lots shall conform to the general lay-out of the entire tract. 

The object in this is to convert the entire 157 acres into nothing less than a magnificent residence park. It 
will be noticed that a sprinkling of shade trees is provided somewhat back from the heavier line of trees along the streets, 
the design being that these trees— deemed essential to the carrying out of the main park-like features— are to be planted 
by the company, before buyers take possession. 

At the northwest part of section K, a concourse has been designed. This is the highest point in the locality and 
affords a magnificent outlook, over an extensive valley lying in a southwesterly direction. In general the greatest possible 
variety in form, size and location of lots is afforded in the present plan, thus providing for all tastes. 

Taken as a whole, this project affords a good example of the attractions which it is possible to embody in suburban 
residence tracts of this character. It is essentially a large and handsome park devoted to residence purposes, with no dis- 
advantages as compared with the usual angular arrangement of suburban streets and blocks. There are obtained: first, a 
system of tree-lined drives equal in beauty and grace to any found in our best public parks; second, with having the 
main driveways 36 feet wide and the street part proper 66 feet wide, and residences no nearer than sixty-five 
feet from the curb line, there is secured a broad stretch of lawn 166 feet wide from building to building, excepting 
as the width of the drive and walks are taken out; third, with the lots being of ample width the considerable area 



between the houses, devoted to lawn, gives the impression of each home being seated on a large parl<, merely at a conven- 
ient distance baclc from the drives; fourth, the various plats at the junction of the drives, together with the ample areas in the 
highways about the rills and skirting the railroad, all contribute very materially to landscape effects agreeable to the eye; 
fifth, as the residents of this tract will in the main be business men in the city, the railroad station has been made the point 
from which the highways generally diverge. It would be impossible to have them more direct and convenient were they 
laid out to be straight and crossing at right angles. 

Note. — A proper question for those interested in developing suburban tracts for residence purposes, is this; how is it possible to ar- 
range such lands most attractively, with a view the easier to secure first-class buyers at remunerative prices. Take a case like the present one, 
where it is designed that 250 or more homes are to occupy a certain tract, shall the arrangement be that usually adopted in the business parts, 
or, going to the suburb to live, shall steps be taken to render the same locality as beautiful by nature's contributions aided by the landscape 
gardener's art, as is possible under the circumstances? It is proper to state that, in the present instance, adjoining areas of about the same ex- 
tent were laid out in square blocks without any plan beyond that devised by the owners or in a surveyor's office. The streets extend in straight 
courses, by abrupt rise and fall over hills and through valleys, rendering them as inconvenient, not to say incongruous to the eye of taste, as 
possibly could be imagined. The houses also are in many cases located with extreme awkwardness. 

It is gratifying to know that a reform movement is now at work, both in Europe and America, to improve such districts with some regard 
to landscape effects. In the future, we may expect the landscape gardener to be much consulted, in all such projects. When that time has ar- 
rived, the projectors of subdivision schemes who have not had the foresight, taste and judgment to apply this class of improvement to their 
lands, will find themselves laboring under grave disadvantages in competition with wiser projectors in such lines. In that day of land- 
scape suburban improvements, the advantages accruing, in conjunction with the park systems, now being so generally provided about our towns, 
will be obvious. The landscape gardening idea, is certainly destined to be a prevailing idea for this class of work in the not distant future. 

Diagrams 29 and 30. A Vilktg-e Square of Four Acres. 

The right hand diagram shows the square in its present form; the other, a new design prepared for the same at 
the request of interested citizens. The change to the latter plan can now easily be made, as the trees have but recently 
been planted and the highways are not yet constructed. 

The fault in the present plan is one very common to town squares, namely, that the arrangement is on the geo- 
metric order. It is the fault of crowding into a town's beauty-spot, more of the same straight lines and angles that already 
exist in the street courses and blocks outside, when here is the spot of all others, for expressing some marked contrasting 
features. What possible excuse can there be for crowding 150 or more free and graceful trees, into a stiff, unnatural 
orchard-like arrangement, in a town square, when a more natural course for locating the material could be taken, con- 
verting it into a most charming restful place? 




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A Village Square of Four Acres, Before and After Improving. 



Diagram 30. 



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liiaij'ram 32. 



Diagram 31. 
Plans of a Small Cemetery, Before and After Improving. 



The substitute, in diagram 29, is designed to show such an improvement, namely, the landscape garden plan of 
arrangement. There are presented, first, the means of securing quiet, restful lawn effects in place of areas of angular 
outline, second, easy, graceful curves, in marked contrast with the geometric lines of the town outside, are employed in 
defining the drives and walks; third, the trees arranged after an irregular order, nature's own suggestion, with the effect of 
imparting a charm peculiar to the natural grove and landscape, in the very heart of the town. 

Note. — Is the fact sufficiently appreciated, that the purpose of every garden should be to secure a delightful haven of rest for the tired 
brain and bodies, at intervals from their contact with the cares and labors of a busy world ? Nature's materials, in soil, grass, trees, sunshine 
and breezes, are perfectly suited to contribute their part to the recreating garden. It is our privilege to rightly use or to misuse these gifts. 
Imagine for a moment, the restful effect on the mind of the weary business man or employee, as he meets an oasis like diagram 29 in the midst of 
brick and mortar, or the same in coming in contact with the unnatural garden presented by the other figure. 

Diagrams 31 and ?2. On Improving- a Small Rural Burial Ground. 

Figure 31, below the marks A A, represents a small, three acre cemetery, lying adjacent to a growing village in 
New York State. This cemetery has already been enlarged once or twice to meet the demands of the community. It is 
designed to again increase its area, to more than double its present size. 

The questions confronting the trustees are these: Shall the old plan of arrangement, comprising straight 
walks and drives, be extended through the new part, or is the garden cemetery idea, peculiar to the burial grounds of most 
of our large cities, suited to an area of this extent ? 

To this our answer was emphatically for the improved cemetery idea, as suited not only to the present case, but 
to every one of the more than 30,000 burial places in America. Figure 32 shows our plan for treating the total area, com- 
prising about eight acres, for obtaining simple, graceful, landscape effects, together with the utmost ease of management 
and keeping. Attention is invited, first to the graceful continuous roadways through the grounds, in marked contrast 
with the straight, angular ones of the old arrangement; next, we would allude to the distinctive landscape quality character- 
izing the style throughout. Each section (F for example) is designed to present a continuous sweep of lawn, with no varia- 
tion of surface between walks and lots or elsewhere, except as caused by the graves, and these to be raised not more than 
four inches above the established grade. Only grass or lawn walks are to prevail. Such a thing as a raised lot or terrace 
or the presence of railings, walls, hedges or enclosures of any description to private lots, is to be strictly prohibited. The 
centers of the sectional plats are to be graded somewhat crowning. Each section is to be converted into lawn and 
planted with trees, to some extent, before the sale of lots is begun. 



The walks, six feet wide, and the lots, indicated by dotted lines, are to be marked at their corners by small stone 
monuments or durable stakes, placed with their heads even with the earth to permit the lawn mower passing over them 

It is seen that curved drives are planned to be carried through the old part, below A A. It is believed that in 
time the owners of these sections will be so impressed by the handsomer appearance of the new parts, that they will regrade 
the older plats to secure uniformity of effect everywhere. 

NOTE.-It is nothing short of surprising that so little attention is paid to the appearance of the majority of country cemeteries Here 
are these small places, made sacred by their association with our dead; owned jointly by hundreds of persons, and backed we may say' by the 
r^i ! Ifi^"^' u '^°"'^"'^^- '" ""^^ instances millions of dollars, in each case, and yet how far from being beautiful reposing places for 
the dead! We have but to refer to the common characteristics of such burial places, for all to know them: the rows of square, uneven untidy lots 
with an excessive number of walks, that for reasons no one can explain, are usually sunken a foot or more and utterly devoid of nice keeping- 
the fences, walls, hedges, not to say an appalling medley of tall grass, weeds, bushes and other distasteful features abounding What can be 
more striking than the contrast of such an area with the improved cemetery, beautiful, quiet, well-kept, because laid out to be easily kept which 
IS peculiar to the landscape garden idea. The very ease of maintaining is one of the strongest arguments for the adoption of the improved plan 
The system involves, simply, the fixing of lot prices at a figure that will cover the expense of keeping all parts of the grounds in thorough order' 
by mowing and otherwise, perpetually. As the cost of this work, when the surface of all lots and walks of a section are on the same genera! 
grade, and dozens of them (the entire section in fact) are cared for together, is very light for any individual lot, it is not required that the prices 
be greatly increased to meet this most important end. 





Plan of Dumferline School Botanical Garden. 



